Avenged Sevenfold Announce Drummer For Upcoming Tour With Disturbed

Hey Everyone!

So its official! After hitting it off with the boys of Avenged Sevenfold while helping them track drums for their upcoming album, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater will be filling in for their late drummer on their upcoming tour. After A7x Drummer Jimmy "The Reverand" Sullivan passed away unexpectedly late last year, the future of the band was met with a lot of unease and uncertainty. No one knew what would happen, but it looks like the guys are trying their best to keep the band, and Jimmy's legacy alive.

It is important to note that the Mike will not be a permanent drummer for the band. He is simply filling in because his tour schedule with Dream Theater allowed for it and he wants to help the guys out as much as possible. Although the tour with Disturbed and the album are both getting the green light, there are still a lot of questions pertaining to the future of the group. All I can say is that I hope they are dealing with these unfortunate circumstances as best as can be expected. Touring has to be very difficult when your best friend is no longer there with you. Same with studio sessions... I cant imagine how hard it must be.

Good luck boys, you have a strong fan base behind you!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Avenged Sevenfold Announce Studio Drummer For New Album!

Hey Everyone!

As I'm sure you're aware, Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away unexpectedly in late December 2009. As a result, their recording plans took an unplanned hiatus. In a recent statement to fans on the band's official webpage, M.Shadows stated that the band would proceed with the recording process of their new album which they had been writing at the time. He said that it would be important to The Rev, and he wanted to make sure it happened in honor of his wishes. The only question remained- who would drum for A7X? Well, it appears we finally have an answer.

Avenged Sevenfold have asked Jimmy's favorite drummer, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater to take hold of the sticks in the studio, and he has happily agreed. In a statement made over the band's myspace yesterday, the band posted the following message:

"...I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities. Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy."
-Avenged Sevenfold

I think its pretty awesome for Mike to step in like this. This band has been through a very difficult few months and its really great to see the music community come together like this and support fellow acts. Kudos to Mike and best of luck to the boys because this is not going to be an easy time for them.

I'm stoked for this new album, I'm sure it will be brilliant!

Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show

Rock On